Scrappin’ Your Heart Out – Oct’18

Another beautiful fall morning at the ranch. Skies are blue, and the color changes across the valley are fantastic. Fall is my favorite season. Look at the photo of the valley floor, below:

Grande Ronde Valley

I don’t know about you, but the news around the world today seems so harsh and scary. It’s hard to stay focused on the priorities of our lives, but we’ve got to do it. We’ve got to guard our home gates first – taking care of ourselves and our loved ones. In my last post, I encouraged you to do something kind for yourself, to practice self-care. I’ll bet the majority of you just breezed right over those words. Women often feel like we don’t have the time to spend on ourselves, or that we don’t “deserve” it. Some of us don’t even know what “self-care” looks like! But hey, it looks different for everyone.

Here is what it looks like for me:Fall & Winter: I love candles — especially spice–scented candles. Their glow and aroma seem to enhance a peaceful atmosphere for me. I love a cup of hot cocoa, or tea. I love to wear warm, soft socks to pad around the house in. I like a more quiet atmosphere, with either soft music, or no music. Baking bread, soup in the crockpot, or cookies in the oven. I like to read with a blanket across my lap, or a crochet project on my hook. A bubble bath in the evening is a wonderful way to relax. And don’t forget nap time!! I’m pretty much at the black belt level when it comes to self-care in cool seasons. I guess that comes from living for 46 years in Alaska!

Spring & Summer: I love to be outside on the deck, writing notes or letters to friends as I gaze out upon the valley below. My hair is usually in a ponytail or hair clip, no makeup, and sneakers on my feet. I also like to take a craft project outside to work on, such as beading, polymer clay, or Kumihimo braiding. And napping. I love to nap where the sun puddles across my bed. Cuddle cat is optional.

What do you like? What calms you? What kind of atmosphere is beneficial to you? Know those things about yourself and make them happen as often as possible. These are small but effective ways to take care of yourself.

Here it is, my preview of Shades of Fall. As always, my mini kit is free and may be used for commercial use. Please visit the other designers in the blog train below to pick up their kits, as well.

Sunny posted: “Design Team: Scrapping Your Heart Out Theme: Shades of Fall Designer: The Rush Ranch Another beautiful fall morning at the ranch. Skies are blue, and the color changes across the valley are fantastic. Fall is my favorite season. Look at the photo o”

Again, I thank you so much for the lovely kit! your papers are simply gorgeous and I use your Watercolors a lot as back drop to so many pages I create! thanks and hope you continue to take time for you, we all must at some point! Have a great week!

Thank you for another beautiful kit. I enjoy reading your blogs. You sound a lot like me when it comes to relaxing or taking some “me” time. I had to look up Kumihimo braiding. It looks like something I would like to try. Thank you for sharing a little bit about yourself.

I grew up in NH, so got my fill of cold falls and winters. OK is less predictable and tends to spent fall alternating between 80-90 and 40-50. I like cuddling up under a fluffy blanket and either reading or scrapbooking, preferably with a cat or dog warming my feet. 🙂

Thanks so much for the kit! Also, it is really beautiful there, isn’t it? Anytime we go to Boise or to Utah, we drive near your area. I really love the area where I live, though. Born and raised here in the Tri-Cities. If I were going to live anywhere else, it would either be (1) the Oregon Coast or (2) Utah. Somewhere peaceful and pretty!

thank you again for this lovely kit and your lovely words. I always feel uplifted after visiting your blog. I’m at a place right now where I do need to stop and take care of myself a bit. Thank you for reminding me. Best wished from a fellow Oregonian – even if I do live on the other side of the mountains 🙂